Charente is the second sunniest region in France !
The superb coastline of the Atlantic and the Charente / Charente-Maritime regions need a lifetime to explore the abundance of sights, culture and activities.
A vast variety of sights and activities await you here, all within striking distance. Here are a few tasters, but for more detailed information, please visit www.visitcharente.com
SOME PLACES FOR YOUR 'MUST VISIT' LIST
ANGOULEME : (18k) The capital of Charente and home of Comic Strip. Take a walk on the Circuit of Wall Paintings to discover numerous wall paintings(20 in all) by famous comic-strip authors. Angoulême is also famous for its' paper mills industry, Le Nil being the main museum. Angoulême is a real must visit with hundreds of places/museums/shops etc. to enjoy, and that Al Fresco meal at any time of the day or night. 'Chez Paul', located at 8 Place Francis Louvel, offers a cuisine based on fresh produce, a wide variety of menus both simple and gourmet.
Nearby golf courses on the outskirts, and river cruises on the Charente.
Classic Car festivals (Circuit des Remparts) take place on the third weekend of September annually and the bi-annual Balloon Festivals in August (the next one in 2011).
PLAN D'EAU : a 40 hectare leisure lake on the outskirts of Angouleme (20 mins) has fishing, boating, sailing, wind-surfing, tennis courts and swimming. Spend a day there and take a picnic. Visit http://www.frenchentree.com/france-poitou-charentes-holidays-leisure/displayarticle.asp?id=20694
COGNAC : (44k) Besides its famous cognac producers, which have tours and tastings, Cognac is a well-visited historic town with shops, boutiques, bars and restuarants to suit every taste and cafés. For more about the history and economic impact of the cognac industry, a visit to 'Le Musée des arts du cognac' is well worth your time.
Its Golf Course has a 72 par 18 hole golf course, designed by Jean Garaialde. High quality setting and open all year. For tennis enthusiasts, the Cognac Tennis Club has a choice of 18 courts to choose from. For a more relaxing idea, try a river cruise on the Charente.
BRANTOME-SUR-DRONNE : (45k) A picturesque medieval village known as the Venice of the Perigord on the river Dronne in the Dordogne. Shops, boutiques, market, history, restaurants and cafés, canoe hire. Visit Brantome Canoe Hire. A popular place well worth spending a day there.
AUBETERRE-SUR-DRONNE : (35k) Another picturesque medeival village with steep lanes, boutiques, market square with shops and restaurants and has the finest underground church in Europe, the Church of Saint Jean. Aubeterre has its own man-made sandy beach, cafe and a lifeguard present during the tourist season guarantees safe swimming, also canoeing is available for all abilities.
ROUMAZIERES : (74k), has the 'Velo Rail' (cycle rail). A great fun-day's outing, so be sure to take a picnic for the family. Visit www.velorail16.com
ORADOUR-SUR-GLANE : 20 mins from Roumazieres, is the site of one of the last atrocities committed by the German Army on 10th June 1944. Over 600 of its inhabitants were massacred and the village was destroyed. The desolate village has remained un-touched as a tragic and somber memorial.
BORDEAUX : Famous the world over as the centre of French wine-making. Not only noted for its superb wines, but also for its awesome architecture. The city centre has numerous boutiques, cafés/restaurants, museums and culture.
ST EMILILION : The premier place for wine tasting is but a short distance away from Bordeaux and well worth a visit for wine-lovers.
OTHER ACTIVITIES/VISITS : All within easy reach of us. Biking, horse riding, quad bikes, Go Karts, golf, fishing, rambling. FUTURESCOPE at Poitiers, LA PALMYRE ZOO at Royan, harbourside cafés and restaurants at LA ROCHELLE.
A visit to the 'Angoulême Tourist Office' may whet your appetite further........
So enjoy a glass or two whilst deciding upon a few adventures in our area, or simply relax by the pool here and un-wind!
FOR MARKET LOVERS
Local markets are a must for a variety of local produce, smells and buzz. Here are a few to add to your list :-
Angoulême : The town's main market is Les Halles, which is open daily. The building itself is 19th century with ornate metalwork. A stroll across the street will find yourself amongst numerous roadside cafés and restaurants to finish off your visit.
Chalais : This is a pretty town in its' own right. Market day is on Mondays and stalls occupy many of the quaint streets and roads. After your shop, you can relax over a coffee in the shaded 'Place de la Fontaine'.
Riberac : This town has a massive market every Friday, set in a large square surrounded by cafés and restaurants. Put a compass in your shopping bag for fear of getting lost !
Villebois Lavalette : This quaint village has a Saturday market held under the 300 year-old covered market (Les Halles) where a variety of produce can be purchased.
Remember that market traders begin packing away their goods around 12 noon.
EATING OUT LOCALLY
Many restaurants are to be discovered around our area serving local to Haute Cuisine.
Mouthiers-sur-Boëme : (our local village 4 mins away), has a bar/tabac/restaurant which is well visited at lunchtimes and serves a quality 3 course lunch for 12€ including wine.
Blanzac : This village is 9 mins away and has a bar/restaurant known as 'Le Diapason', again serving 3 course quality lunches for 12€, including wine. It's ambience is typically French and the restaurant is situated in a tiny square overlooked by a 12th century church. It's English 'patron' will give you a warm welcome.
Nonac : 'Le Grain de Sel' can be found in this tiny village. Good quality food is provided at around 12€ for a 3 course meal including wine.
Torsac : 'La Forge' in this tiny quaint village provides high quality meals at lunchtimes and evenings, with prices set according to menu chosen.
Roullet Saint Estephe, a little further afield, can be found 'Le Moulin à Poivre' serving excellent lunches at 12.50€ with T.Bone, steaks and grills a speciality, and serves evening meals from a variety of menus as well. A popular place and booking in advance is recommended.
Chalais : 'Le Winger' restaurant, opposite the station, is a 'must' when you visit the local market on Mondays. Forget breakfast if planning a visit, because the quality and quantity of food served will be more than ample for the whole day. Be sure to get there for 12.15pm to secure your table. Excellent value for a 3 course meal at 12€, including wine and coffee.
Villebois Lavalette : This medieval village, complete with chateau, boasts 'Le Lavalette', which is noted for its' Haute Cuisine. There is a wide choice of menus and if you are looking for a romantic setting, Le Lavalette takes some beating. Booking in advance is a must due to its' popularity.
FOR WINE AND COGNAC LOVERS
Home to 'L'Eau de Vie', cognac is produced here. Visit one of our neighbours and taste his Cognac/Wine and Pineau des Charentes. We are also within striking distance of the famous Bordeaux vineyards, hub of the largest region of vineyards producing some of the world's finest wines, and is a pleasant drive 1H30 mins away on un-cluttered roads.
The Vignoble Trail COGNAC (35 mins) is a must for the cognac connoisseur, as the world renowned cognac producers are to be found here. Famous names like Remy Martin, Hennessy, Martell spring to mind. All welcome visitors for a tour around their houses to be completed by tastings. Visit http://www.ville-cognac.fr/welcome.php3
